Six Degrees of Separation

2017

Six Degrees of Separation was staged at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre 243 W. 47th St., New York, New York. Ran from April 25 to June 18, 2017. Play by John Guare. Inspired by a true story, a group of wealthy New Yorkers are taken in by a conman who claims to be the son of actor-director Sidney Poitier. His victims turn detective and try to piece together the connections that gave him access to their lives. Meanwhile, the conman's lies are beginning to catch up with him, leading unexpectedly into darker territory.

Allison played Louisa (Ouisa) Kittredge, one half of the couple conned by Paul. Directed by Trip Cullman. With John Benjamin Hickey and Corey Hawkins

This production was a revival, with the original production having been staged in New York in 1990 and later adapted into a 1993 film. The role of Ouisa was originally played by Allison's West Wing co-star, Stockard Channing.

‘Six Degrees of Separation’

Opening Night

April 25, 2017

Articles & Reviews of ‘Six Degrees of Separation’

"‘Six Degrees of Separation’: Theater Review"

The Hollywood Reporter. April 25, 2017
“Those who recall Stockard Channing’s indelible performance in the original production…may be reluctant to give equal credit to Janney. But I found I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She looks spectacular in costumer Clint Ramos’ sleek socialite outfits and she nails both the initial poise and the despairing need that creeps up and takes her by surprise as she realizes her connection with this impostor was something real, lasting, and all too rare.”

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"Broadway Review: Allison Janney, Corey Hawkins Lead ‘Six Degrees Of Separation’"

Deadline. April 25, 2017.
“…this play that is, at its heart, about Ouisa Kittredge, stranded in the zeitgeist and yearning for meaning - even if that calls for giving herself over to the fabrications of a gifted con artist. Janney, elegantly sheathed in Clint Ramos’ form-fitting outfits, is utter conviction in conveying the transformation that Paul has unwittingly, unexpectedly brought about in her.”

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"Review: A Scam Artist’s Masterwork in ‘Six Degrees of Separation’"

New York Times. April 25, 2017
“Ms. Janney — a first-rate theater veteran (“A View From the Bridge,” “9 to 5”) as well as an Emmy-winning television star (“The West Wing,” “Mom”) — is a highly credible Ouisa. Brisk, breezy and enameled in Clint Ramos’s expensively tasteful costumes, she is probably closer to Ouisa’s real-life counterparts than [Stockard] Channing was.”

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